Ritchie was an old friend of mine
He took lots of pills to pass the time
Used to be filled with political conviction
He started to struggle with heroin addiction

[Chorus:]

His skin turned cold and his face turned blue
Not yet 30 but it happened to you
Russian Roulette with a needle in your vein
A junkies life ends up the same

It seems like he changed overnight
He took more dope to feel alright
Didn't pay attention to the warning signs
Started living on borrowed time

[Chorus:]

His skin turned cold and his face turned blue
Not yet 30 but it happened to you
Russian Roulette with a needle in your vein
A junkies life ends up the same

I'm so sorry but I can't go on
He lost his strength to carry on
Shot a speed ball into his vein
To end his life and to end the pain